IHC nullifies jail ban on political discussions for prisoners

The Islamabad High Court has nullified a clause in prison rules that banned political discussions during inmate visits, declaring it unconstitutional.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan issued the ruling in response to a petition filed by lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat, stating that the restriction violated constitutional rights to freedom of association and expression.

The clause had previously been cited as justification for restricting political discussions during meetings between PTI founder Imran Khan and his associates.

Following the ban, Article 265 of the prison rules had been challenged, leading to its nullification. The decision affirms that inmates retain their right to political discourse under the Constitution, even within prison walls.